Istanbul Expres: Kolektif Istanbul / Gökçe

KOLEKTIF ISTANBUL

Ever wondered what a crossover between a Balkan brass band and the melancholy of Anatolian blues would sound like? With the colourful Kolektif Istanbul, you’ll find out! Their 2006 debut album, Balkanatolia, became synonymous with a new genre, mixing elements of Anatolian and Balkan culture. Two years later, Krivoto raised the tempo while adding an energetic dash of funk and jazz in the mix, impressive crescendos never being far away. With her expressive vocals Asli Doğan applies a sensitive finishing touch. A recipe for an unforgettable party!

Aslı Doğan (voice, trumpet), Richard Laniepce (saxophone, gayda, kaval, dvoyanka, mey), Ediz Hafızoğlu (drums), Tamer Karaoğlu (accordion), Ertan Şahin (tuba, backing vocals), Talat Karaoğlu (clarinet)

GÖKÇE

Don’t let the fragile appearance of Gökçe mislead you: this blonde princess of alternative pop rock will blow you away with her tantalizing songs that simply force you to shake your hips.

After her number one hit Tuttu Fırlattı was named best Turkish pop song of 2011, Gökçe’s career has skyrocketed. She brings a fusion of catchy pop melodies, and refreshing horn sections, topped off with the sweetest of xylophone tunes. But she doesn’t fear tough guitars and percussion either. This naughty-eyed nymph is poised to get under your skin!

Gökçe (vocals), Görkem Yenilmez (keyboard), Güngör Uçak (bass), Furkan Karadeniz (guitar), Necmettin Engin (drums), Eser Evcil (trombone) and Fırat Avcı (saxophone).